So, you’ve made the decision to sell your house. Congratulations! Selling your home is a big undertaking, whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or relocating for a job. But don’t worry, help is on the way. This blog post will provide you with a few key things to do before putting your house on the market to get the best possible price.
1. Get an Inspection
The first thing you should do before listing your home is to get a professional inspection. This will help you identify any potential problems that could turn off buyers or lead to a lower sale price. Once you know what needs to be fixed, you can decide whether to fix it yourself or factor the cost into your asking price.
Either way, it’s important to be upfront about any issues with the house so that buyers know what they’re getting themselves into. You should also consider getting a pest inspection, as any evidence of pests can be a major red flag for buyers.
2. Declutter and Depersonalize
When potential buyers come to look at your house, you want them to be able to imagine themselves living there. That’s why it’s important to declutter and depersonalize before putting your home on the market. Get rid of any personal items like family photos or heirlooms that might make buyers feel like they’re intruding on your home.
And make sure all surfaces are clear of clutter so buyers can focus on the house’s features. This includes closets, cabinets, and even the refrigerator. When in doubt, it’s better to pack away or donate excess items so that your house looks clean and organized.
3. Boost Curb Appeal
First impressions are important in real estate, so make sure your home looks its best from the outside. This means trimming any overgrown landscaping, pressure washing the exterior if necessary, and touching up any peeling paint. You may even want to add a fresh coat of paint or replace old hardware on the front door for added curb appeal.
These small touches can make a big difference and attract more potential buyers to come to see your house in person. Your real estate agent may also suggest staging the exterior with outdoor furniture or potted plants to make the house even more inviting.
4. Stage Your Home
Staging is the process of arranging furniture and decor in a way that highlights the best features of your home and makes it feel more spacious and inviting. Professional stagers can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways to stage your home on a budget. Just rearranging your existing furniture and adding some strategically-placed greenery can make a big difference in how buyers perceive your space.
You can also consider renting furniture or borrowing decor from friends and family to give your house a more polished, lived-in look. This can make a big impact on potential buyers and potentially lead to a higher sale price.
5. List Your Home
Once you’ve completed the steps above, it’s time to list your house for sale. Work with a reputable real estate agent who has experience selling homes in your area and can market your house effectively. Your agent will also be able to advise you on setting the right asking price based on recent comparable sales and current market conditions.
Not only will a good agent handle all the logistics of selling your home, but they’ll also be able to negotiate on your behalf and guide you through the process every step of the way. So make sure to do your research and find the right agent for you before listing your home.
6. Set a Competitive Price
Setting a competitive asking price is one of the most important things to do before selling your home. You don’t want to overprice your home and risk having it sit on the market for months, but you also don’t want to underprice it and leave money on the table.
The best way to come up with a fair asking price is to compare your home to similar houses in your area that have recently sold. This will give you a good idea of what buyers are willing to pay for a house like yours in today’s market.
Selling your house is a big decision, but hopefully, this blog post has given you a better idea of how to prepare for it. Remember, the key things to do before selling are: get an inspection, declutter and depersonalize, stage your home, and set a competitive price. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to successfully selling your house!
